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Processes
Special Issues
Microbial Biofilms: Latest Advances and Prospects
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Microbial Biofilms: Latest Advances and Prospects

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Biological Processes and Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 September 2025 | Viewed by 4081

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mayron Alves de Vasconcelos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60430-160, CE, Brazil
Interests: microbial biofilms; anti-biofilm agents; natural products; antimicrobial peptides; antimicrobial agents based on metal complexes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Edson Holanda Teixeira

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60430-160, CE, Brazil
Interests: antimicrobial agents; biofilms; cancer therapy; immunology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Microbial biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and are embedded within a self-produced extracellular matrix. These biofilms present significant challenges across various sectors, including healthcare, industry, and environmental management. In healthcare, biofilms are notorious for their role in chronic infections and their resistance to antibiotics. Industrially, they can cause biofouling and corrosion, leading to substantial economic losses. Environmental biofilms impact water systems, contributing to contamination and infrastructure degradation.

This Special Issue aims to compile cutting-edge research on the latest advances and future prospects in the study of microbial biofilms. We invite submissions that explore innovative detection methods, novel anti-biofilm strategies, and advanced imaging techniques. Additionally, we seek contributions that investigate the ecological roles of biofilms and their applications in biotechnology. Our goal is to highlight emerging technologies and approaches that can effectively manage biofilm-related problems and leverage their potential benefits. We hope this Special Issue will provide valuable insights and foster the development of new solutions to control and utilize microbial biofilms in various fields

Prof. Dr. Mayron Alves de Vasconcelos
Prof. Dr. Edson Holanda Teixeira
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biofilm detection techniques
  • biofilm resistance
  • biofilm-related infections
  • biofilm eradication strategies
  • biotechnological applications
  • biofilms in natural and engineered ecosystems
  • advanced biofilm imaging

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2088 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Activities of Medicinal Plant-Derived Honey Against ESKAPE Pathogens: Insights into β-Lactamase Inhibition via Metabolomics and Molecular Modeling Studies
by Hanan Aati, Nadia M. Lithy, Sultan Y. Aati, Mohammad A. Khanfar, Hossam M. Hassan and Hebatallah S. Bahr
Processes 2025, 13(5), 1294; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051294 - 24 Apr 2025
Viewed by 356
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections is a major global public health concern. Human health is in danger from microorganisms that have developed resistance to currently used drugs. Honey is well known for its significant activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In this study, the [...] Read more.
The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections is a major global public health concern. Human health is in danger from microorganisms that have developed resistance to currently used drugs. Honey is well known for its significant activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In this study, the antibacterial properties of honey from various botanical sources in Saudi Arabia against seven significant nosocomial and foodborne pathogens were investigated. The physicochemical properties of four Saudi honey samples—aloe honey (HO1) (Aloe vera L.), anise honey (HO2) (Pimpinella anisum L.), moringa honey (HO4) (Moringa oleifera Lam.), and acacia honey (HO5) (Acacia sp.)—were examined. In addition, they were screened for antibacterial activity against ESKAPE pathogens (Enterobacter faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter sp.) and anti-biofilm activity against four pathogenic bacteria strains: S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. typhimurium, and E. coli. 1H NMR profiling and multivariate analysis (PCA and PLS-DA) were performed. Aloe honey (HO1) was the most distinct sample based on MVDA and its antibacterial activity, and it exhibited anti-biofilm activity against most biofilm-forming microorganisms. Its metabolic profile was deduced using LC-MS, and the resulting annotated compounds were docked against several β-lactamase enzyme classes. The results reveal the potential of honey-derived compounds to inhibit β-lactamases due to the presence of gallic acid hexoside and rosmarinic acid, suggesting their potential as competitive inhibitors. Our findings suggest that further honey antibacterial compounds could offer a novel approach to overcoming antibiotic resistance by targeting and inhibiting β-lactamase enzymes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Biofilms: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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25 pages, 2608 KiB  
Article
Production of a Microbial Biofilm and Its Application on Tomato Seeds to Improve Crop Development in a Lead-Contaminated Substrate
by Gabriela Cristina Sarti, Antonio Paz-González, Josefina Ana Eva Cristóbal-Miguez, Ana Rosa García and Mirta Esther Galelli
Processes 2025, 13(3), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030767 - 6 Mar 2025
Viewed by 767
Abstract
The plant growth-promoting bacterium, B. subtilis subsp. Spizizizenii, has been proven to develop a biofilm under certain culture conditions, which can be applied as an efficient bioinoculant. Biofilm can be produced cost-effectively using biodiesel byproduct glycerol as a carbon source. Soils from [...] Read more.
The plant growth-promoting bacterium, B. subtilis subsp. Spizizizenii, has been proven to develop a biofilm under certain culture conditions, which can be applied as an efficient bioinoculant. Biofilm can be produced cost-effectively using biodiesel byproduct glycerol as a carbon source. Soils from urban peripheries may contain very high lead (Pb) levels. The main aim of this study was to assess the impact of biofilm seed inoculation on plant development and fruit quality of tomatoes growing on a Pb-contaminated substrate. Also, effects of excess Pb on biofilm production, stability, and seed germination were analyzed. B. subtilis biofilm was produced with Pb concentrations ranging from 0 to 300 ppm. Biofilm stability was tested at 4 °C and 25 °C. The impacts of Pb and inoculation on seed germination were evaluated in laboratory conditions, while the impacts on plant agronomic parameters were assessed via a greenhouse assay. Adding Pb to the culture medium increased biofilm production by about 20%. Regardless of Pb level, biofilms were more stable at 4 °C than at 25 °C. Beneficial effects of biofilm on germination were greater on seeds exposed to 200 and 300 ppm Pb. Excess Pb significantly reduced plant biomass and tomato yield. However, biofilm inoculation significantly increased plant aboveground and root biomass, plant height, leaf area, fruit number, and fruit size, regardless of substrate Pb excess. Tomato fruits of plants grown in the metal-contaminated substrate showed no significant increases in Pb concentration with respect to the control. In summary, the biofilm produced by B. subtilis subsp. spizizenii proved to be an effective bioinoculant to counteract the negative effects of substrate excess Pb on tomato germination, growth, and production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Biofilms: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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29 pages, 5745 KiB  
Article
The Effect of a Photoactivated Ruthenium Nitrocomplex [RuCl(NO2)(dppb)(4,4-2 Mebipy)] on the Viability of Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells, Including Bacterial Biofilms
by Alexandre L. Andrade, Aryane A. Pinheiro, Ellen A. Malveira, Isa M. F. Azevedo, Ana C. S. Gondim, Alzir A. Batista, João H. A. Neto, Eduardo E. Castellano, Alda K. M. Holanda, Mayron A. Vasconcelos and Edson H. Teixeira
Processes 2024, 12(12), 2841; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12122841 - 11 Dec 2024
Viewed by 820
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global public health problem. Many bacterial pathogens use biofilm formation as their main pathogenicity mechanism, a practical tactic for surviving in natural settings and colonized host tissues. Research using ruthenium(II) complexes has demonstrated antibacterial action linked to [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global public health problem. Many bacterial pathogens use biofilm formation as their main pathogenicity mechanism, a practical tactic for surviving in natural settings and colonized host tissues. Research using ruthenium(II) complexes has demonstrated antibacterial action linked to photodynamic therapy, an alternate method of microbial control. Thus, in this work, the photosensitive nitro complex [RuCl(NO2)(dppb)(4,4-Mebipy)] (I) was prepared and the X-ray structure was determined. Then, we investigated the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities, antibiotic-associated effects, and cytotoxicity. The results showed that complex I exhibited promising antimicrobial activity with MIC values ranging from 4 to 256 µg/mL and MBC from 4 to 32 µg/mL. The antimicrobial activity of this nitro complex was significantly enhanced with blue light irradiation, as confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis of the pBR322 DNA, which must be related to the DNA cleavage promoted by the photorelease of NO. A synergistic effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains was observed when combined with ampicillin, which exhibited FICI values from 0.186 to 0.311. Interestingly, complex I associated with tetracycline showed a synergistic effect only on Escherichia coli. Regarding biofilms, the irradiated complex I showed antibacterial activity against biofilm formation and mature biofilms. Furthermore, SEM and confocal analyses revealed changes in cell morphology and damage to the wall and plasma membrane. Complex I presented a percentage of hemolysis between 2 and 4%, and no cytotoxic effect was observed against murine dermal fibroblasts. In conclusion, the photoactivated ruthenium(II) complex showed antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against relevant bacteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Biofilms: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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11 pages, 2677 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the In Vitro Disinfection Potential of the Phytochemicals Linalool and Citronellal Against Biofilms Formed by Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
by Patricija Krapež, Manca Lunder, Martina Oder and Rok Fink
Processes 2024, 12(12), 2743; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12122743 - 3 Dec 2024
Viewed by 964
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the potential of phytochemicals linalool and citronellal against E. coli and S. aureus biofilms and to compare the results to sodium hypochlorite. We tested the minimal inhibitory concentration, bacterial cell reduction, respiratory chain dehydrogenase activity, cell membrane integrity, [...] Read more.
This study aimed to analyze the potential of phytochemicals linalool and citronellal against E. coli and S. aureus biofilms and to compare the results to sodium hypochlorite. We tested the minimal inhibitory concentration, bacterial cell reduction, respiratory chain dehydrogenase activity, cell membrane integrity, and biomass reduction. The results show the lowest inhibitory concentration for both E. coli and S. aureus for sodium hypochlorite, followed by a combination of linalool and citronellal, the sole use of linalool, and the sole use of citronellal, respectively. Furthermore, we found that linalool was effective in biofilm cell reduction, cell respiratory inhibition, membrane integrity, and biomass reduction, while citronellal was less effective. Overall, this indicates that linalool has some benefits in biofilm management, especially with a focus on reducing toxic sodium hypochlorite consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Biofilms: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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65 pages, 3461 KiB  
Review
Pharmaceutical Contamination by Biofilms Formed of the Burkholderia cepacia Complex: Public Health Risks
by Giorgio Silva-Santana, Francisca Letícia Sousa Sales, Alícia Ribeiro Aguiar and Marcelo Luiz Lima Brandão
Processes 2025, 13(5), 1270; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051270 - 22 Apr 2025
Viewed by 625
Abstract
Biofilms formation by the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) poses a considerable risk to hospital environments, particularly for immunocompromised individuals. These bacteria exhibit notable resistance to disinfectants and antibiotics, mainly due to their ability to adhere to biotic and abiotic surfaces, forming highly persistent [...] Read more.
Biofilms formation by the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) poses a considerable risk to hospital environments, particularly for immunocompromised individuals. These bacteria exhibit notable resistance to disinfectants and antibiotics, mainly due to their ability to adhere to biotic and abiotic surfaces, forming highly persistent biofilms, contamination, and pharmaceutical solutions. These microbial structures function as protective shields, impeding the effective action of antimicrobial compounds and facilitating the occurrence of chronic infections and outbreaks in healthcare settings. The high genetic plasticity of the Bcc, evidenced by the presence of multiple chromosomes and the ease of horizontal gene transfer, further enhances its capacity for adaptation and treatment resistance. Moreover, the ability of the Bcc to survive in aquatic environments and withstand unfavorable conditions heightens concerns regarding the contamination of pharmaceutical products. This study examines the molecular mechanisms underlying Bcc biofilm formation, its impact on hospital infections, and the challenges associated with its eradication. It also discusses the current detection techniques available and innovative approaches to mitigating contamination in pharmaceutical products. In summary, a thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying Bcc biofilm formation and maintenance is crucial for implementing more effective preventive measures and minimizing the risks associated with hospital infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Biofilms: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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